Unit Outline

Data Handling and Statistics 1 is the first of three applied statistics units offered by the School of Natural Sciences (Mathematics). Statistics is the science of decision making, and as such forms a key foundation of any scientific research. This unit develops skills in statistical analysis and project design. Data Handling and Statistics 1 is an applied unit that develops conceptual understanding of the foundations of modern Statistics together with practical skills in data analysis. This is a “hands-on” unit that provides experience with the common techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Summarize and explore large data sets using appropriate numeric and graphical tools in order to communicate statistical concepts to both scientific and lay audiences.
2	Recognize the key issues involved in designing a survey or experiment, and assess strengths and weaknesses in statistical arguments.
3	Identify and apply appropriate statistical techniques to make inferences based on data.
4	Perform common statistical analyses in a statistical computing package.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	KMA153

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Project 2 Design Task	See the MyLO site for the due date	10 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Project 1: Descriptive Statistics	See the MyLO site for the due date	15 %	LO1
Assessment Task 3:	Project 3 - Inferential Statistics	See the MyLO site for the due date	15 %	LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Quizes	See the MyLO site for the due date	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 5:	Examination	See the MyLO site for the due date	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Project 2 Design Task

Task Description:

Project 2 Design Task

Task Length:

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Discuss the key issues involved in designing a survey so that sampling is done in such a way as to ensure valid conclusions.	LO1, LO2
2	Give thoughtful and timely feedback on the design strategies suggested by other students.	LO1, LO2
3	Present a practical solution for conducting the survey	LO2

Assessment Task 2: Project 1: Descriptive Statistics

Task Description:

Project 1 Descriptive Statistics

Task Length:

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explore and summarize a data set by applying a range of numeric and graphical summaries of the data	LO1
2	Communicate statistical concepts to both statistically literate and lay audiences in a written report with a non-technical front- piece and a statistical appendix	LO1

Assessment Task 3: Project 3 - Inferential Statistics

Task Description:

Project 3 - Inferential Statistics

Task Length:

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply appropriate statistical techniques to make inferences about a data set
2	Communicate statistical concepts to both statistically literate and lay audiences in a written report with a non- technical front-piece and a statistical appendix	LO1
3	Perform common statistical analyses in a statistical computing package	LO3

Assessment Task 4: Quizes

Task Description:

Quizzes x 4

Task Length:

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Each quiz will consist of 10 multi-choice questions. Each question has equal weight.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 5: Examination

Task Description:

Final exam

Task Length:

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.